Centring diphthongs
A glide is a movement of the tongue, lips and jaw from one pure vowel sound to another. The first sound in each phoneme is longer and louder than the second in English.
Centring diphthongs end with a glide towards the sound of / ə /. They are called ‘centring’ because / ə / is a central vowel.
Characteristics
The glide begins in the position for / ɪ /, moving down and back towards / ə /. The lips are neutral, but with a small movement from spread to open.
Examples:
beer, beard, fear, pierce, Ian, here, idea
Characteristics
The glide begins in the position for / ʊ /, moving forwards and down towards / ə /. The lips are loosely rounded, becoming neutrally spread.
Examples: sure, moor, tour, obscure
Characteristics
The glide begins in the position for / e /, moving back towards / ə /. The lips remain neutrally open.
Examples:
where, wear, chair, dare, stare, there